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United States Patent | 5,794,400 |
Fisher ,   et al. | August 18, 1998 |
A composite frame member that includes a longitudinally extending external member that defines a longitudinally extending internal cavity within which a longitudinally extending internal member is disposed. The internal member and external member, while being distinct components, are constructed and arranged to cooperate in a substantially synergistic fashion that seeks to provide a frame member having superior strength characteristics. Further, the internal member and the external member cooperate to define an accessible stapling channel that is capable of being readily stapled into. The external member includes walls that at least partially bound the internal cavity. The internal member is disposed within the internal cavity and defines the stapling channel, wherein the stapling channel receives a cover sheet and staples through an opening defined by the external member. The internal member spans between and abuts certain walls of the external member to uniquely structurally reinforce the external member and thereby provide a composite frame member of considerable strength. In at least one embodiment, the invention includes a method of integrating the formation processes of the internal member and the external member.
Inventors: | Fisher; Larry M. (2316 Piedmont Ridge Ct., Marietta, GA 30062); Gordon; Henry W. (Birmingham, AL) |
Assignee: | Fisher; Larry M. (Marietta, GA) |
Appl. No.: | 735015 |
Filed: | October 22, 1996 |
Current U.S. Class: | 52/731.2; 52/63; 52/74; 52/466; 52/731.7; 52/732.1; 52/738.1; 156/294; 160/392 |
Intern'l Class: | E04F 010/00; 738.1 |
Field of Search: | 52/63,74,202,222,273,376,466,716.1,717.03,731.1,731.2,731.3,731.7,732.1,732.2 160/46,56,57,83.1,76,391,392,393,395,397,398,399,402,404 156/293,294 |
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